Conservation perspective on maned wolf Chrysocyon Brachyurus in Argentina.

SOLER, LUCÍA; CÁCERES, F; PALACIOS GONZÁLEZ, MARÍA JESÚS; RODDEN, M.; CARENTON, JEAN M; MININI , S.; CASANAVE E.B.

Mendoza, Argentina, 9-14/8

Congreso; X-IMC; 2009

IADIZA; IFM, SAREM

Between 1982 and 2008 the IUCN status of Chrysocyon brachyurus (MW) changed the category in 3 different opportunities (V-LR/ NT-NT). Argentina added the MW to the Endangered Species list in 2006. The threats to the MW include habitat loss, inter-specific competition, illegal trade, mortality resulting from infectious diseases, road kills, and conflicts with humans and domestic pets. But what do we really know about the ecology of this carnivore and the specific threats facing MW in Argentina? We investigated available information about MW for the period 1990-2008 to assess the extent of current knowledge, determine where gaps exist and make recommendations for preserving the species and remaining habitat. Between 1990 and 2008, 11 projects were undertaken, of which 2 (18%) continue today. During that same period, 31 documents were produced: 30% were abstracts presented at scientific conferences, 32% were reports from workshops, conferences and popular journals and 29% were published in national and international journals; 23.3% of the documents considered captive individuals. Descriptions of species distribution was the topic most frequently published (32%), followed by health status of wildlife individuals (22.5%) and in captivity (22.5%). Conflicts and environmental issues were rarely addressed. Regarding the scope of the publications, 48% were regional, 32% local and the remainder had international impact. Priority issues that need to be addressed are: 1) accurate determination of the species’ distribution, 2) human-MW conflicts, 3) increasing understanding of ecology and behavior, 4) examining population genetics, 5) health status and 6) developing conservation education programmes. It is imperative that the governments actively take part in future action plans, contributing both manpower and financial resources. WAZA project 06031; Supported by: Amnevillé Zoo, Doué la Fontaine Zoo, Abilene Zoo, John Ball Zoological Garden, Friends of Dickerson Park - SSPMW/IUCN, Brookfield Zoo, Idea Wild, WAZA and Safari de Peaugres. PGI 24/B123.